The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office intend to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the acquisition of technical support services. The Contractor shall provide all necessary personnel, material, and services to provide technical support and new technology development studies for the for the Cross Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS)/Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) Pre-Launch Instrument Assessment and Attainment Activities conducted by the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Services (NESDIS) for its National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS). This acquisition will be conducted on an unrestricted basis utilizing the procedures outlined in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 15. The North America Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code is 541710 with a Size Standard of 500 employees. NPOESS is a satellite system used to monitor global environmental conditions, and collect and disseminate data related to: weather, atmosphere, oceans, land and the near-space environment. The NPOESS Integrated Program Office (IPO) organizationally resides within the Department of Commerce, NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS). The Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), created the IPO to develop, acquire, manage, and operate the NPOESS satellites. Details on NPOESS can be found at http://npoess.noaa.gov. The NPOESS requirements were developed by the user community and are captured in the NPOESS Integrated Operational Requirements Document (IORD). To achieve its mission, the IPO has undertaken a far-reaching program of sensor development, and satellite transition and evolution to provide complete coverage of environmental conditions for civil, military, and scientific purposes. NPOESS data will be processed into Environmental Data Records (EDRs) for use by a number of operational communities. The IPO?s operational effectiveness depends on its ability to keep pace with rapidly developing technologies. To accomplish this, the IPO researches and develops initiatives through its Internal Government Studies (IGS) program. The IGS program consists of teams of scientists and engineers from Government laboratories and centers, Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, universities, and industry. These teams are tasked to identify and test technologies and techniques that are able to meet NPOESS requirements and objectives. This acquisition will support the following areas of study: (1) Independent evaluation of algorithms producing Sensor Data Records (SDRs) and EDRs for the CrIS and ATMS instruments (2) Pre-Launch instrument characterization of the CrIS sensor, including rapid independent analysis of sensor test data and performance impact studies (3) Preparation for and execution of post-launch calibration and validation of CrIS and ATMS data products, leveraging experience with calibration and validation of heritage instruments with available proxy data from similar instruments, such as the currently European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), and (4) Development of independent truth data sets for post-launch calibration and validation of the NPOESS SDRs and EDRs. The Government anticipates the award of a cost reimbursement contract. The resultant contract shall be for a period of one year commencing on or about September 1, 2007 and will include four 12-month option periods. The solicitation for this acquisition will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunity website, www.fedbizopps.gov, on or about 15 days from the date of this notice. All future information regarding this acquisition, including amendments, will be distributed solely through this website. Hard copies of the solicitation will not be available. Interested firms are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any) and monitoring the website to ensure that they have the most up-to-date information regarding this acquisition. All evaluation factors will be outlined in the solicitation. Technical evaluation factors (i.e., technical approach. past performance, and staffing plan/personnel) are significantly more important than price. All responsible sources registered with the Central Contractor?s Registration (CCR) at http://www/ccr.gov may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. Proposal/offers shall be submitted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the solicitation document. All questions resulting from this notice or the subsequent solicitation document must be submitted in writing via email to
[email protected]. Reference Solicitation No. DG133E-07-RP-0114 in the subject line of your email.